Canada milkvetch

Astragalus canadensis

characteristics

Perennial with multiple, erect, thin reddish brown stems with pairs of grey-green leaflets. Creamy-white flowers are tubular, arranged in dense spikes. Fruit is clusters of small beanlike pods. Rhizomatous: tends to grow in colonies. Also tends to move around, usually coming up near where it was the year before.

Toxic to humans and animals, including milk from an animal that has ingested the plant.

120,000 seeds/pound; starts from seed, container, cuttings.

habitat

Fields, open woodlands, roadsides, and streambanks.

uses

Attracts birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Larval host to the western tailed blue.